OSCARS 2018 | Final Predictions

The end is nigh for this year’s award season! To cap it off, here are our predictions for Sunday’s Oscars…

Due to the nature of release dates and accessibility, we’ve not included Foreign Language Film, Documentary or the Shorts as we haven’t seen enough to make judgements.

BEST PICTURE

In a tight race to the top we recon that Del Toro’s Shape of Waterwill pip Three Billboards to the top prize, despite the latter having the Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG. We ay be letting bias get the better of us but there’s no questioning that The Shape of Water has proved the less controversial of the two.

Will win: The Shape of Water – OUR FAVOURITE

Could win: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

DIRECTING

It’s been a few years since the Oscars for Picture and Directing married up (last in 2015 with Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Birdman) and we’re backing it to happen this year. Nolan’s strong competition and is sure to bag an Academy Award someday; as will the rookies: Gerwig and Peele.

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Like Oldman, McDormand seems to have this one in the bag, given her success with the role thus far (and she’s brilliant!) Were Hawkins to come to the fore it’d be a welcome surprise, as would Robbie and Ronan. Streep has plenty.

Will win: Frances McDormand (Three Billboards)– OUR FAVOURITE

Could win: Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water)

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Another SAG, BAFTA et al winner, Rockwell should make it a good night for Three Billboards on the acting front but we’re rooting for Defoe, who’s lovely turn in The Florida Project has been sorely overlooked.

Will win: Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards)

Could win: Willem Defoe (The Florida Project)– OUR FAVOURITE

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Again, we’re backing the candidate we see missing out on the night for Supporting Actress. It’s brash vs pathos but both are worthy.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

COSTUME DESIGN

Perhaps the Academy were wooed by Belle’s dress but we see this one going to Phantom Thread and quite right. Any film could make good costumes, it takes a great one to place them at the heart of the on-screen maker’s characterisation.

ORIGINAL SONG

Difficult to call, this one. On top of our picks here, Sufjan Stevens’ “Mysteries of Love” is also a strong contender and it likely depends on which of these was ear-wormed into the members at the time of voting. Due to its sheer ubiquity even now, months after release, we’ve gone for Keale Settle and the song, written by last year’s winners: Pasek and Paul.

PRODUCTION DESIGN

We see this as a fourth win for The Shape of Water and its dazzling marine-like design aesthetics.

Will win: The Shape of Water – OUR FAVOURITE

Could win: Blade Runner 2049

SOUND EDITING

Just so we’re clear, Sound Editing is the act of actually producing and composing a film’s sounds, whilst Sound Mixing is bringing it all together and harmonising it for the final feature in the edit. Either way, we recon Dunkirk for both.

Will win: Dunkirk – OUR FAVOURITE

Could win: Baby Driver

SOUND MIXING

Will win: Dunkirk – OUR FAVOURITE

Could win: Baby Driver

VISUAL EFFECTS

Seeing as Andy Serkis will probably never win an Actor prize for his motion capture work, we’re giving this one to him as much as the incredible team who brought it all to life for the Matt Reeves’ threequel.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

To top off another successful night for Martin McDonagh, we see this one tipping in the favour of Three Billboards. Don’t rule out Gerwig’s Lady Bird script though and many will be rooting for Peele and Get Out.

Will win: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Could win: Get Out

Who do you think will come out on top this year? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget to join us on the big night as we live blog with the show!

Personally I adore ‘Remember Me’ more than any songs in The Greatest Showman. I’m also rooting for Dunkirk to win at least best directing. The editing in Baby Driver is excellent, so I totally agree with your verdict on that one. I also personally love the story in Get Out, so I hope it wins in any of the categories!
Still, have yet to watch both The Shape of Water and Three Billboards so I have no idea which one deserves to win best picture more.

Great pics for both your favourites and what could most likely win. I agree with most of those choices for front runners and he could upset. I would see that Timotee was front runner early and I’d be happy with Dafoe or Rockwell. I also think Original Screenplay is locked as concession prize for Gerwig or Peele. I also would give Visual Effects to Blade Runner 2049.

There’s precedence, Robert Redford although to be fair I really Ordinary People. It’s dated a little now but it must have hit like a sledgehammer back in the day. I’ll come clean Get Out and Lady Bird didn’t do it for me the way I hoped but I just think one of them will get the Best Original Screenplay. It’s the go to win for the hip young director when you don’t want to give them the director Oscar or picture one. I’m also looking forward to what Gerwig and Peele do next, I enjoyed their movies and think they are great talents but I’m not upset that they won’t get Best Picture.